Fiona Lenz returns for the Dirt N Dust after taking out overall female winner in 2017 to beat the elements and competitors.
With a time of 1:30:31, Lenz crossed the finish line in first place in the open women's category and was also awarded first place female overall.
Lenz said she didn’t expect the win but was incredibly happy with the result.
“It was a very happy surprise,” Lenz said.
“I had Julia Creek on the bucket list for a while and I had some friends who had done it previously so I was interested in doing it.
“I did a lot of championships during that season and I really wanted to get out there, so I jumped in and gave it my best,” she said.
After sustaining an injury to her hamstring at a championship earlier this year, Lenz isn’t sure what’s in store for her.
“I’m excited to get back on the course but it’s been a long road to recovery.”
“I’m recovered now, it took a lot of training to get me there.
“I know how fierce the bike leg and run leg were. It’s going to be hard, but I’ll try my best,” she said.
Lenz said the tough elements and the even tougher competition is what makes Dirt n Dust stand out from the rest.
“I think a close race is a lot more fun for the spectators, rather than having a clear front runner. It keeps them on the edge of their seats.”
The supportive atmosphere of the crowds at Julia Creek make battling the tough Outback elements a little easier.
“We need their support out there because I have no doubt it will be very, very hot on the day which makes things tough,” said Lenz.
“I remember that headwind as we got in to town! But I think that’s all part of fun.”
Fiona will be attending the weekend with friend Elle Goodall, who is the 2018 triathlete ambassador.
They hope to compete as a team in the infamous Bog Snorkelling.
“For the first time I’m going to have time to do all the fun things on the weekend,” she said.
“Elle and I are keen divers so it’ll be fun - although I don’t think that it will have quite the same visibility as the Great Barrier Reef. But we can’t wait to get in that puddle and have a bit of fun.”
“It’s just one highlight after another on the weekend,” Lenz said.
